Training & Exercise 

Emergency preparedness training and exercises are not open to the public. Community Outreach events are open to the public. Official agency representatives who want to observe exercises may contact the Office of Emergency Management about attending.

Exercise Schedule

Exercises are a key component of national preparedness—they provide elected and appointed officials and stakeholders from across the whole community with the opportunity to shape planning, assess and validate capabilities, and address areas for improvement in a low-risk environment.

Training Schedule

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers free Independent Study (IS) online courses that are available to the general public on a wide variety of topics. To learn more about the Independent Study Program and view available courses click here.

Check this page often to see what training opportunities are available throughout the region. Current and upcoming classes are listed below.

Title Dates Location Description
AWR-345 Unmanned Aircraft Systems In Disaster Management
Friday
8/2/19
 MEMA SEOC Join us for our Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Disaster Management course and learn about UAS use in disaster management, from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery. Gain a basic understanding of UAS; learn the general concepts to build a successful UAS program; understand the FAA regulations of UAS and application process; learn the importance of engaging the local community; understand the need to ensure that privacy issues, civil rights, and civil liberties are thoroughly addressed; identify when UAS would enhance a disaster mission; and understand the basics of UAS types and sensors. Gain a basic overview of UAS and learn the first steps in determining if UAS is right for you.

Debris Planning Workshop

Registration

 Tuesday
8/13/19
Wednesday
8/14/19
 Washington County Division of Emergency Services

Before a large debris-generating event, agencies need to develop procedures for managing force account and contractor monitoring operations. This includes monitoring the collection, temporary staging, and final disposition of disaster-related debris. This training will provide attendees a basic understanding of debris monitoring and the associated requirements (including FEMA debris eligibility, debris management operations, debris load calls and recent audits). The training will be conducted by staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

G290/291 Basic PIO, JIS/JIC Planning Tribal, State, and Local PIOs Tuesday
8/20/19
Wednesday
8/21/19
Thursday
8/22/19
 MEMA SEOC These courses are intended for the new or less experienced PIO.
The G290 Basic Public Information Course emphasizes the basic skills and knowledge needed for emergency management public information activities. Topics include the role of the PIO in emergency management, conducting awareness campaigns, news release writing, and television interviews.
The G291 Joint Information Center/Joint Information System Course discusses how to work in a multi-jurisdiction and/or multi-agency JIC, JIC concept of operations and how to plan for and equip a JIC.
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

Wednesday
8/28/19
Thursday
8/29/19
 MEMA SEOC This is an intermediate level training course that incorporates exercise guidance and best practices from the HSEEP Volumes. Throughout the course, participants will learn about topics including exercise program management, design and development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning. In addition to the instructor led presentations, the course includes small group activities, videos, group discussions, and introductions to HSEEP-related initiatives such as technology (e.g., HSEEP Toolkit) and capabilities-based planning.

Upcoming Conferences

We encourage our staff to increase their general knowledge and learn about new trends and best practices while providing them with the opportunity to establish new working relationships with other professionals. Here are some of the training venues you will find Annapolis OEM staff this year:

  • National Hurricane Conference (April 22-25)
    The primary goal of the National Hurricane Conference is to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation in order to save lives and property in the United States and the tropical islands of the Caribbean and Pacific. In addition, the conference serves as a national forum for federal, state and local officials to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve Emergency Management.
  • National Homeland Security Conference (UASI) (June 17-20)
    The National Homeland Security Conference provides a direct bridge to connect and share best practices among those charged with keeping our Nation safe.  Attendees typically include Homeland Security professionals, Emergency Managers and planners, public safety representatives from every response discipline, local, State, and Federal government leaders from the largest metropolitan areas in the 50 states and U.S. territories, as well as subject matter experts from the private sector.
  • International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference (November 15-20)
    The IAEM Annual Conference provides a forum to discuss current trends and topics, share information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and advance the work of IAEM. Conference sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas and collaborate to protect lives and property from disaster.

NOTE: These conferences are available to the general public and will have a fee attached in order to attend. For more information, click on the name of the event that interests you.